Ofcom awards nine new community radio licences

08 November 2017

Ofcom has today announced the award of nine new community radio licences in England and Wales.

The new stations will serve communities in Cannock and Rugeley in Staffordshire, Cinderford in the Forest of Dean, Keynsham, Yeovil, and Minehead in Somerset, Swanage and Dorchester in Dorset, Newquay in Cornwall and the Rhondda valleys in South Wales.

Community radio services are provided on a not-for-profit basis, focusing on the delivery of specific social benefits to a particular geographical community or a community of interest.

Community radio

Community radio offers thousands of volunteers the chance to get involved in broadcasting across the UK. There are more than 250 community radio stations broadcasting around the UK, each reflecting the local needs and interests of its audience.

Ofcom has amended its technical policy to remove references to set coverage areas for community radio stations. We have adopted a more flexible approach, and applications are considered for wider areas where applicants can clearly demonstrate the proposed coverage area will better serve its target community, where it is technically possible.

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

In addition to the licence awards detailed above, Ofcom considered one further application, but decided not to award a licence to the following group: